1Therefore, having this ministry, according as we have received mercy, we are not fainthearted. 2For we have personally renounced the hidden things of dishonest gain, not walking in cunning craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth, we are commending ourselves to every man's conscience before God. 3But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are perishing; 4In whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we do not preach our own selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake 6Because it is God Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, Who shined into our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels in order that the supremacy of the power may be of God, and not from us. 8On every side we are hard pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always carrying about in our bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11For those of us who are living are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12So then, on the one hand, death is working in us; and on the other hand, life is working in you.

13And having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, "I believed, therefore I have spoken," we also believe; therefore we also speak, 14Knowing that He Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead shall also raise us through Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, so that the abounding grace may cause the thanksgiving of many to overflow unto the glory of God.

16For this reason, we do not lose heart; but if our outward man is being brought to decay, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17For the momentary lightness of our tribulation is working out for us an immeasurably greater and everlasting fullness of glory; 18While we consider not the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary; but the things that are not seen are eternal.